In a tragic turn of events, an Air India flight bound for London’s Gatwick Airport crashed shortly after take-off near Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was carrying 242 passengers and crew when it went down just minutes after leaving the runway.
Over 290 people were killed, the dead included people on the ground as the aircraft crashed on to a medical college hostel during lunch hour.
Authorities have confirmed that one survivor has been found. Identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national seated in 11A, he is currently receiving medical treatment in hospital.
Ahmedabad police commissioner GS Malik confirmed the miraculous survival, saying Ramesh was pulled from the wreckage and rushed to safety. “He has been in the hospital and is under treatment,” Malik said.
The flight manifest revealed Ramesh was in seat 11A. Speaking to media, he recalled the horrifying moment: “Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly.”
UK authorities are now actively involved in the aftermath of the disaster. The UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has formally offered its assistance to India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, as British nationals were on board.
A spokesperson for the AAIB stated: “We are deploying a multidisciplinary investigation team to India to support the Indian-led investigation. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic accident.”
In response to the disaster, Air India has announced it is arranging two special relief flights to Ahmedabad. These are intended to transport family members of those involved and airline staff.
Air India’s statement reads: “Next of kin of passengers and staff in Delhi and Mumbai wanting to travel on these flights can call our hotline on 1800 5691 444. Additionally, those coming in from international destinations and wanting to travel can call our hotline on +91 8062779200.”
